Applying for a credit card as a new immigrant to the US

Applying for a credit card could feel daunting for anyone, let alone someone who recently moved to a new country. But there are options. 

This guide is intended to help explain how to apply for a credit card if you’re an immigrant to the U.S.

What you’ll learn:

• New immigrants who may not be eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) might apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

• Recent immigrants may be candidates for credit cards designed for people building credit. 

• Types of credit cards that may fit the needs of someone new to credit in the U.S. include secured credit cards and student credit cards.

• Becoming an authorized user on the established account of a trusted family member or friend could be another option.

Immigrants can qualify for a credit card in the U.S. But credit card issuers will need to verify your identity before approving you for an account. 

If you don’t have an SSN or a credit history in the U.S., some credit card issuers let you apply for a credit card using an ITIN. You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS. 

Before you apply for credit cards, you may want to try getting pre-approved to see which cards you could be eligible for. Pre-approval typically involves a soft inquiry, which means it won’t affect your credit scores. Applying for a credit card generally involves a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your scores slightly.

Here are some credit card options for new immigrants.

A secured credit card requires a deposit to open. Think of it like the security deposit you might pay up front to rent a house or an apartment.

Deposit amounts can vary. For example, a $200 deposit might mean your account has a $200 credit limit. But some cards might provide a credit limit higher than the security deposit amount. That’s sometimes the case with the Capital One Platinum Secured card, which could have a credit line of at least $200 with an initial security deposit of $49, $99 or $200.

As you explore secured credit card options, remember all issuers have their own policies. So it might be helpful to confirm a few things before you apply, like:

1. Whether the issuer reports activity to credit bureaus

2. How to pay a deposit and whether it requires a U.S. bank account

3. How secured deposit refunds work

When people mention traditional credit cards, they may be referring to unsecured credit cards. These types of cards can be harder for people with a limited credit history to qualify for because they don’t involve a security deposit. But there may still be options, such as cards designed specifically for customers who are new to credit. One example is the Capital One Platinum Mastercard.

If you’re enrolled at an accredited university, community college or other higher education institution, you can consider a student credit card. They’re designed for college students, who often have limited or no credit history.

When these cards are used responsibly, students can use them to build credit and earn rewards while in school. Plus, they might have benefits tailored to college students, including bonuses and rewards related to streaming services, like Capital One’s student credit cards.

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card means the primary cardholder has given you access to their account. For example, this person could be a responsible family member.

As an authorized user, you might receive your own card for purchases. But the primary cardholder is ultimately responsible for all charges on the account.

If the card issuer reports the card activity of authorized users to credit bureaus that then include that information on credit reports, that could help you establish a credit history. If the information doesn’t appear in credit reports, it can’t help. 

Keep in mind that responsible use of credit is important for both the authorized user and the primary cardholder. That’s because the actions of either, whether positive or negative, can affect both people’s credit. So if you want to be an authorized user, it’s important to ask someone you trust.

Still have questions about your credit card options as a new immigrant in the U.S.? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

It’s possible for recent U.S. immigrants to get a credit card and start building a credit history, even if you don’t have an SSN. Some credit card issuers, including Capital One, let you apply for credit cards with an ITIN or become an authorized user on someone else’s card. As you build credit history through responsible use of your card, you may find that your options grow.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash back card.